Check out our interview with NYC based pop singer-songwriter Nazanin (pronounced Nau-za-neen) who just released her latest single “Dangerous” that is all about taking your power back and owning your own decisions. After suffering a tumultuous relationship with a narcissist, Nazanin was inspired to write this song as an anthem of empowerment to inspire others.
Her music fuses R&B, soul, and dance influences resulting in an electric sound all of her own. Her rich, sultry, and soulful yet powerful voice is uniquely reminiscent of classic pop singers from the 80s and 90s, yet her music feels fresh and modern, bridging the gap between the past, present and future. An effortless storyteller with a passionate and unfiltered singing talent and songwriting ability, Nazanin has an instinctive gift of crafting relatable narratives that are also deeply personal. Common themes permeating her music include empowerment, independence, and overcoming expectations and hardships often found in romantic relationships.
Inspired by artists such as Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Madison Beer, and Camilla Cabello, Nazanin uses these influences to form her own signature sound. Refusing to set any boundaries, the songwriter relies on her emotions and intuitions to create her captivating music, oozing with timeless lyrics and jazzy tones.
Follow Nazanin @nazaninxmusic
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, fun loving, and passionate.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Director of my old firm used to work at Universal Music Group beforehand – we became friends so he started teaching me a lot about the business as I was lost beforehand on what to do.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Lush, Melodic and Rhythmic.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
No one influenced me but myself. I always loved music, being creative and performing. I love taking inspiration from my own life and creating relatable music for other people to have. Music is a universal language which makes life 10x better.
Do you play any instrument?
I used to play the piano.
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! Still to this day I get nervous around a guy I might have a crush on or like. I also used to never be nervous performing on stage in front of people but the older I’ve become (especially if I haven’t performed recently) the nerves definitely start to kick in. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I want whatever I do to be great (which can be both a blessing and a curse).
Tell us about your new single “Dangerous?”
Dangerous is all about embracing being a badass.
What’s the story behind this single?
I’ve gone through certain experiences in life which made me realize I wasn’t embracing who I fully was. I was a people pleaser and I think this allowed other people to attempt to walk all over me, disrespect me, and treat me incorrectly. At this point in my life I definitely have a strong backbone and will wholeheartedly embrace who I am as I know myself.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The fun and rewarding part is the creativity, creation of music, branding, vision of the song, performing, collaborating with other artists, bringing an idea to life, and connecting with the fans. What I hate about what I do is that as an independent artist with no label or management, I have to figure out how to appropriately market my music to as large as an audience as possible with limited connections and budget (while I also have a full time day job) and basically wear all different hats and do everything myself. It’s a very difficult industry to try to navigate. While I have been told I have a very management oriented business brain, I would like to at some point get a great manager who can help my career progress while I focus more on the art, the vision, and connecting with my fans.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Music, my family and friends, my iPhone, my laptop, and my beloved west village apartment.
What’s next for Nazanin in 2021?
I plan to release more music, grow my fan base, and hopefully get an awesome manager and investor to help me advance my career to greater heights.
What is you favorite song? And why?
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. That song stirs certain emotions in me I can’t describe. It’s so beautiful. Anybody who also knows me well growing up knows that I was obsessed with the movie Titanic and IN LOVE with Leonardo DiCaprio. I even hosted a Titanic party when I was 13 years old with a bunch of my girlfriends at my parents house.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
It’s All In Your Head by Russ.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Where to allocate expenses for my releases.
Any loves other than music?
I love to read, travel, and am very into Fashion and health/wellness. I’m also a sucker for a great tv show or movie.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Einstein. He was so smart, creative, and wise. Would have loved to have had a conversation with him.
Best advice ever given?
The people who succeed in life are the ones who are consistent and don’t quit.
How’s a typical day in your life?
During the week I wake up in the morning, make breakfast and a cup of coffee, work at my day job from 9-5pm, then workout, take care of business when it comes to music (networking, writing, practicing, reaching out to people to help gain exposure for my song, working on marketing, answering interviews or finalizing a mix with my engineer). I then run some personal errands before I eat dinner and host wine night with girl friends or go on a date.
Name one your strengths?
Resourcefulness.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in, going for a nice workout at the gym by my apartment, meeting up with friends for a boozy brunch, going shopping in Soho, then hitting up the studio to work on music before I head home at night to either go on a date or curl up with a nice glass of wine or an addictive book / tv show.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is when what you say, what you think, and what you do are in harmony.
Do you support any charities?
Yes – the UJA Federation of New York.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Toss between a berry protein smoothie or a salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
Haagen Daaz ice cream or gelato.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
This hasn’t happened to me but if a guy didn’t pay he would never see me again.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully striking it big in music and in a relationship with the love of my life.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Edgy, sexy, sporty, elegant and feminine.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a great way to connect with people but at the same time I find it superficial, fake, and like an annoying game.
Where can we follow you?
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube @nazaninmusic. On Spotify I am NAZANIN and on facebook my page is Nazanin.
Quote: The grass is greener where you water it.
Movie: Jane Eyre – the 2011 version with Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska.
Travel Destination: Europe
Sports Team: None
Photo credit: Shervin Lainez
